What to do to prepare for evacuation

Crossroads residents should already be prepared to flee long before an evacuation order goes out.

"There are a number of things people are better off doing well in advance, long before a hurricane even enters the Gulf," Victoria County Emergency Management Coordinator Jeb Lacey said.

If the towns in the Crossroads are evacuated, people should have everything ready to go so that they can simply get their things, get in the car and leave.

Lacey advised people to put together a travel kit filled with the life-sustaining commodities they'll need on the road. Sometimes the evacuation process can take hours so it's best to be prepared with all of the basics in case it takes a long time to get out of the hurricane's path, Lacey said.

Residents should also have a family member or friend they'll be able to stay with if they have to leave town. Lacey advised leaving the number of that person with your employer and family and friends in the area, in case you need to be contacted once you have left town.

A hurricane can devastate a community, so if you have to evacuate, it's best to prepare for the worst and bring the materials that will help you restart your life - proof of identification, a current resume and any other essential documents.

"You never know where you'll end up, or how long you'll be there," Lacey said.

Lacey said people should use a checklist when putting together the things they'll take with them if a storm approaches.

Many things like water and food are common sense, but Lacey said there are a number of things people will need that it won't occur to them to bring. People need to take into account the special needs of children, the elderly and pets when getting ready to leave. Bring all of the supplies, food and medicine that they'll need to be comfortable.

"It's important to go over the steps they'll have to take in advance and prepare themselves for that unfortunate circumstance to make it a little less painful," Lacey said.